Archbishop of Kuching pays tribute to Pope Francis: A humble shepherd of the world

Apr 23, 2025

By Joseph Masilamany
The Catholic Church throughout Malaysia is united in sorrow and gratitude at the passing of Pope Francis—an extraordinary spiritual leader whose humility, compassion, and unwavering courage touched millions and transformed the global Church.

Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching expressed this heartfelt tribute following the Pontiff’s death on Easter Monday, calling his passing a moment of deep loss not only for Catholics but for all who cherished his vision of a more merciful and inclusive world.

“Since his recent hospitalisation, the faithful across Malaysia have been lifting him in prayer,” Archbishop Simon told Today’s Catholic. “We were deeply moved to see him, despite his declining health, visiting inmates at Rome’s Regina Coeli Prison on Holy Thursday. That simple yet profound gesture of love and solidarity captured the very heart of his papacy—his unwavering commitment to the poor, the forgotten, and the marginalised.”

He added that pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kuching had been preparing for a pilgrimage to Rome and had hoped to see Pope Francis at the Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Square—an encounter that now becomes a memory deferred.

“Many of us were also privileged to meet him during his pastoral visit to Singapore in September 2024. It was a treasured moment shared with Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops from across Malaysia and Singapore,” he recalled.

For Archbishop Simon, the passing of Pope Francis is both a global loss and a deeply personal one.

“I feel a profound sadness,” he said. “Pope Francis reminded us that as priests and bishops, we are called to be shepherds who carry the scent of their sheep - walking alongside those we serve with humility and compassion.”

Appointed by Pope Francis as bishop in 2015 and later as Archbishop of Kuching, Archbishop Simon was blessed with several personal encounters with the Holy Father, most memorably during the Synod on Youth in 2018.

It was Pope Francis’ life and pastoral vision that inspired his episcopal motto: Pastor Cordis Christi—“Shepherd after the Heart of Christ.”

“From him, I learned to reach beyond the sanctuary walls—to engage with people of all faiths, to see the sacred in every person, and to build bridges through dialogue, compassion, and mutual respect,” he said.

As the Church awaits further details from the Vatican regarding the funeral arrangements, Archbishop Simon announced that all Holy Masses across Malaysia will include special prayers for the repose of Pope Francis.

Books of condolence and spaces for prayer and reflection will also be made available at parishes for Catholics and friends of all faiths to pay their respects. More information will be shared in the coming days.

“We give thanks for the life of Pope Francis,” he said. “A shepherd who led with mercy, tenderness, and conviction - who championed human fraternity, interfaith harmony, care for creation, and the dignity of migrants and the marginalised. He called the Church to be a home of welcome, reflecting the compassionate face of Christ.”

On behalf of the Catholic Church in Malaysia, Archbishop Simon extended heartfelt appreciation to those who have sent condolences and words of comfort.

“We are especially touched by the messages of solidarity from friends of other faiths. Your compassion has brought comfort in this moment of reflection and remembrance.”--Herald Malaysia